#wrat19

Lights out for off - duty children ten and under was 9:00.

Title: Two Geniuses

The time was 9:15 p.m.

For the older kids it was at 10:00.

So the youngest children should've already been in bed ,safe and sound.

As they walked down the hall , however , there were still children excitedly scampering to and fro.

" What the hell ? " muttered Guren ,as he watched them running every which way.

" Uh - oh , it's Second Lieutenant Guren ! "

" It's Second Lieutenant Ichinose ! "

" Crap , we're busted ! " the children cried in a panic. They were so young they probably didn't even know what the words " second lieutenant " meant.

Second lieutenant. Guren's current rank.

Not that the title held much meaning. Now that they were officially an army, Guren had been made a lieutenant only because there weren't enough adults left to fill the role. Even then ,he had only been given that rank grudgingly , thanks to his role in getting the power back on, and because he had Kureto's backing. The truth, however, was that the top brass still thought of him as an Ichinose traitor.

For proof, Guren need look no further than Norito and Mito, who had both been made lieutenant colonels.

Shinya, meanwhile, was a full - blown colonel.

Doubtless the Hiragis would begin using rank and title to control and motivate their troops before too long , but now wasn't the time for that. Right now everyone was still focused on working together to survive.

" What's all the ruckus ? " Guren, but the children just blushed and ran away.

Guren watched them flee , then looked over at Shinya.

" What do you think that was all about?"

" Norito's discovery , maybe ? "

The uproar only increased the farther down the hall they went - children screaming and hollering , all of them boys.

"Can I go back to my room now ? " asked Guren , staring at the scene through heavy lids.

Shinya laughed. " Norito said he wanted you there too."

" I'll pass ."

" Come on , you know you want to see it. "

Who would want to see something like that with such a crowd? "

" Oh , I see. So you'd rather sneak back here in the middle of the night and watch it all alone? "

" Well ... I mean, if I was going to watch it, wouldn't tham make the most sense ? So it's settled , then. I'll just come back later. " Guren finished, turning to head back to his room, when a voice suddenly stopped him.

" Hey , Guren , where do you think you're going ? You're not believe what I found . You've gotta come see this ! "

It was Norito , yelling to them from the end of the hall.

He was poking his head out of the room where all the kids had gathered, waving them over.

" They're gonna charge you with corrupting public morals, " said Guren.

" What makes you think I'm corrupting public morals? "

" Your whole existence is a corruption of public morals. "

" Just get over here, " insisted Norito , " It's nothing like that , I promise. "

True , Norito had never said his big discovery was a porno.

Maybe it really was something innocent.

" Guess it's not a video , after all , " Guren said to Shinya.

" Maybe it's a smutty novel , then . "

" Do you really think these little brats would be so worked up over a book ? "

" What else could it be ? An eroge , maybe ? "

" What's an eroge ? "

" An erotic game . "

" How can a game be erotic ? "

" Don't ask me . "

" Don't lie , you must've played one before . "

" Come on , let's just take a look already . Maybe Norito will surprise us . "

" Are we really gonna do this ? " groaned Guren , trailing after Shinya down the hall .

The whole hallway was packed with children , who all looked up as they passed.

" Oh , it's Lord Guren ! "

" And Lord Shinya ! " 

" Clear a path ! They've come to see the treasure!"

" Everyone , look ! Lord Guren and Lord Shinya are here to see the treasure !"

" They're here ! They're here ! They're here to see the treasure! " the children shouted .

" If this turns out to be a porno , I swear I'm going to kill Norito , " said Guren .

Shinya grinned . " What's wrong with having a little fun ? "

" Plenty . "

" It's not like there's a lot of fun left to be had in this world . "

" Tough shit , " said Guren . The words were barely out of his  mouth before he realized what was waiting for them inside the room .

They could hear loud voices drifting from the open door at the end of the hall .

" Ahh , no , dooon't . "

" Yeah baby , you like that ? Does it make you feel dirty ? "

" Doo00oon't , stop , no , don't stop! Stop it- "

Guren buried his face in his hands.

He trudged towards the room.

There were about two dozen kids packed inside like sardines.

They were all sitting cross - legged, staring at a TV.

The screen must've been 50 inches across ,

On that 50 - inch screen , a balding middle - aged man was tormenting a woman who looked to be in her late thirties .

"...."

Sitting there in the middle of the crowd of children was Norito , wearing a serious expression .

He glanced over his shoulder at Guren , and pointed toward the 50 - inch TV .

" Right ? " he said .

" What's right ? " Guren shot back .

Norito rolled his eyes , as if it should have been obvious .

" This ! "

" What about it ? "

" Pretty impressive , right ? "

" Looks like I was right about the corruption of public morals . "

" Corruption ? This is a rare treasure , you philistine. "

" I dare you to say that to Mito , " Guren fumed . " More importantly , listen up you little shits! What the hell are you all doing in here , it's past your bedtime! "

The children bolted to their feet .

" S - Sorry , sir !! "

" L - Lord Goshi said it was alright ! "

" Calm down , you nincompoops . Lord Guren just wants to watch the treasure by himself . "

" Oh , of course . Sorry , Lord Guren . We'll just come back later , then ... "

" No , no , NOO000000 ! " screamed Guren . " I have no intention of watching it ! I'm angry because you're breaking the rules . Some of you definitely aren't eleven yet. Lights out was half an hour ago ! "

In response , the children who were clearly too young to be up scrambled out of the room .

" No fair , the adults get to have all the fun . "

" Shut up , they'll hear you . Remember what Lord Goshi said , we can just come back later . "

The children were still smiling and laughing as they left the room , however , like children making their way home from a festival . Guren narrowed his eyes as he watched them go.

He had to admit that it might not be so bad if they had a little fun . There was so little amusement left in the world now.

Did you hear what those kids said ? The adults get to have all the fun , " chuckled Shinya . " Someone should tell them we're only sixteen ... "

Norito grinned . " Either way , now that the kids are gone it's time for the adults to play . Who wants to go first ? "

" Count me out . " Guren's exasperation was boiling over.

" What ? Why ? "

" Just forget it . Besides , these ladies are old . "

At which Norito pulled several more DVDs out of his inside pocket . " I knew you'd say that . That's why I also brought some barely legal---"

" That's not what I meant ! "

" Then perhaps I can interest you in some amateur couples . you know , hidden camera stuff---"

" Amateur couples ? " Shinya broke in.

" Don't encourage him , " seethed Guren, but Norito pretended not to hear.

" Yes indeed , my fine sir. I had you pegged as a connoisseur . Then it's decided . Tonight we feast on hidden camera couples! " he exclaimed , eagerly walking over to put in the DVD.

Guren looked at Shinya skeptically. " Are you seriously into this? "

Shinya shrugged. " I was just wondering if it's really done with hidden cameras or if it's all staged. "

" Suuuuure . "

" What do you think ? "

" I think I don't give a shit. "

Staged or not , everyone who appeared in the video was dead now thanks to the virus.

Norito finally pressed PLAY.

" Here we go ! "

The name of a company - presumably the one that had made the film - floated into view on the 50 - inch screen . Next , the title card appeared:

100 % Real !!! Hidden Cam Couple F * c * fest !!!

"Oh shit , guys , this is 100 % real , " Norito crowed.

" Dumbass , " Guren shot back sardonically , but the movie was already starting.

It opened on a scene in downtown Shibuya .

It looked like it might be a Sunday ; the famous Shibuya Scramble bustled with a massive crowd . Guren was pretty sure it had been the busiest intersection in the world .

How many of the people on the screen had been among the corpses they had burned earlier on the outskirts of Shibuya ? Surely none of them had suspected in that moment that the How many world was about to end .

The camera focused in on a couple enjoying their day out .

" I want ice cream , " said the girl .

Guren had never heard such wooden delivery . So much for " 100 % Real . "

" I'm going to bed , " he announced .

" Hold on , Guren , " said Norito , flustered . " Just wait a little bit more . I don't blame you for being upset , I know how committed you are to authenticity . But it's still too early to give up . "

" What the hell are you talking about ? "

" Well , maybe they've just started going out , and they're still nervous around each other . "

" You're so full of shit . "

" Just give it a little while longer . I made tea and everything . " said Norito .

Talk about coming prepared . Shinya took a cup from Norito and sat down cross - legged .

" You're sitting down ?! "

" I mean , it would be rude not to drink it . "

" Hmph . " Guren glanced at his own cup , then sat down as well .

Norito joined them .

The three boys sat together amid the ruins of their world, watching the 100 % not real amateur hidden camera porno .

" Forget ice cream , let's go to a hotel . " said the guy .

" No way we just met up !"

" But love hotels are cheaper during the day . "

" No ! I want a proper date . I want to go out for ice cream ! "

"We can get ice cream at a convenience store . I don't have that much money today Come on , you understand , don't you baby ? Don't you ? "

" Do you even have enough money for a hotel ? "

"...."

"Oh my god , seriously ?! "

" We can go to my house instead . My family's out today , we'll have the whole place to ourselves . "

" Gross , your room's always so dirty . "

" Come on , don't be like that , baby . "

" I guess it's starting to get a little more real , " remarked Shinya as the scene unfolded .

" Right ? Besides , it said it right there on the screen : 100 % Real . So it's gotta be true . "

" Think about it for a sec . Who's filming it , then? "

" I bet it was the brother . He probably has cameras planted all over the house . "

" I can't believe you , " protested the girl , before giving in .

" Fine , whatever . "

The scene faded to black .

" Finally , now for the good stuff , " Norito exulted.

But when the scene finally changed the couple were in a convenience store , enthusiastically picking out flavors of ice cream.

" Was this scene really necessary ? " asked Guren .

" Can't wait for the action , can you , you pervert ?" replied Shinya.

" Yeah , Guren . Scenes like this are what make the payoff worth it . "

" If you say so . "

The three sipped at their tea .

Just then , a girl's voice came from behind them .

" What are you guys watching ? "

" Huh ?! "

Guren whirled around , only to be confronted by the sight of Mito . He had thought she was out on some mission , but here she was dressed in pajamas or sweatpants or something . She had evidently just taken a shower , and was drying her damp hair with a towel .

" What ? This ? This is nothing , " said Norito , a little panicked .

" I can't believe you don't even have enough money for ice cream . You're such a jerk , Masaki ," said the girl on the screen .

Mito sat down next to the boys .

" What is this , a movie ? " she asked , but Norito was still at a loss for words .

Guren shrugged . " Apparently it's a documentary about couples. "

" A documentary ? That's weird , why does it seem like they're reading off a teleprompter ,then? "

Guren flashed Shinya and Norito a triumphant look , but  they were both clearly avoiding his gaze.

" Can't you pay for my ice cream too , Misaki ? Pretty please ? "

" No way ! I barely got any shifts at work this month . "

" Pretty , pretty please ! I blew all my money at the pachinko parlor , I 'm totally broke ! "

" Shh ! Keep your voice down , we're in a convenience store ! "

" What a loser , " observed Mito .

" You have to admit , though , as pointless as this scene is , it does give a sense of realism , " said Shinya . " In a way , it's actually a pretty good script . "

" How can it be real if there's a script ? " asked Guren .

" Hahaha . Script or not , who cares ? Either way , it's making me want ice cream . "

" I know ! " said Mito . " I was just thinking the same thing . "

" Ice cream , huh ? " added Norito . " You know , we could probably make some if we wanted . The next time we're out maybe we should see if we can find the ingredients . "

The four looked on as the girl bought her loser boyfriend a 100 - yen bar of ice cream . While they were watching , Shigure and Sayuri showed up as well .

Guren had been under the impression that they were out on a mission , guarding a supply transfer to the southwest .

But now here they were too , wearing pajamas and looking like they had just showered .

" Master Guren , we're back ! " said Sayuri .

" We've returned , Master Guren , " dittoed Shigure . " What are you watching ? "

" Apparently it's a documentary , " Mito responded . " Something about the everyday lives of couples . "

" Oh ? " The two sat down next to them .

Which meant ...

"..."

....that there were now three boys and three girls , all sitting around a 50 - inch TV watching 100 % Real !!! Hidden Cam Couple * u *kfest !!!

"... "

By this point , the boys were desperate for a way out . Someone had to do something before things went too far .

The movie was already starting to drift into dangerous territory .

Inside the boyfriend's house .

A kotatsu had been left out even though it was summer , and the boy and girl sat around it eating their ice cream . The scene seemed to drag on forever .

The couple looked like they were having fun . The acting might have been stiff and wooden at first , but their dialogue was slowly growing more natural .

Once the boy finished eating his ice cream he scooted over next to the girl .

She leaned against his shoulder .

Uh-oh here we go - but no sooner had the thought occurred to Guren than Shinya suddenly spoke up :

" You know , guys , this is apparently one of Guren's favoriet movies . "

" What ?! "

" Oh , yeah , that's right ! " put in Norito . " What was your favorite scene again , Guren ? "

" You bastards . "

" This is your favorite ? " asked Mito , turning to Guren . " I had no idea you liked documentaries . "

" This is the first time I've ever heard about you liking anything , Master Guren , " said Sayuri . " I can't wait to see what hap pens next , I'm sure it'll be fascinating ! "

Shigure suddenly sat up straight and began paying close attention to the screen . " I won't miss a single minute . "

" Shit . "

They'd gotten him . It was too late to say anything now . If he was going to claim innocence , he should have done it right away---

" Can I kiss you ? "

" Okay . "

The guy on the screen leaned in and kissed the girl . Soon they were entwining their tongues eagerly , making sloppy squelching noises .

" Wha ?! " cried Mito , Shigure , and Sayuri in unison .

They stared slack - jawed at the screen for a long moment , as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Then, again:

" Wha?! "

Their faces flushed beet red .

The events on screen had already gotten horribly out of control.

  " Guren ! " shouted Mito , her cheeks crimson .

" Onono , " shrieked Sayuri , covering her face with her hands .

She peeked out between her fingers , however , doing her best to continue watching .

" So this is what Master Guren likes . This is his..." Shigure's face was bright red , but she was still watching as closely as before , trying to maintain a dignified pose . On screen , the boyfriend had skillfully removed the girl's bra and was just about to---

" THAT'S ENOOOOOOOOOUGH ! " screamed Mito , kicking the 50 - inch TV across the room .

Mito had been born into the illustrious Jujo Clan , whose unique style of magic , known as the Crimson Halo , boosted the user's physical abilities . Combined with the demon's curse , a kick from Mito was no laughing matter : the TV sailed clear across the room and embedded itself in the wall .

" Explain yourself , Guren ! "

But Guren , too , was at a loss .

" Shame on you , Guren , " chided Shinya . He looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself. "Showing that sort of thing to the girls."

Norito nodded vigorously . " Yeah , Guren . Shame on you your nasty fetishes . Not that I don't see the appeal , mind you . "

"B - But , " stammered Sayuri , " I'm sure Master Guren has his reasons . Isn't that right , Master Guren ? "

Shigure nodded in agreement .

They all turned toward Guren , staring expectantly .

What was he supposed to say ?

"I'm waiting , Guren , " Mito demanded . Guren tried to think of something to say .

"..."

It wasn't too long ago that Mito and the others had been dead , and yet now here they were , full of life and making a stupid fuss about some dumb movie .

The silliness of it all ...

" ..."

... suddenly struck Guren as the most meaningful thing in the world . Tears welled up in his eyes , catching him off guard .

He didn't know why .

Maybe he was just tired .

Or maybe it was because he was weak . Such a weakling that he needed to attach special significance to the lives of his friends so he wouldn't have to face up to his responsibility for destroying the world .

Noticing the tears in his eyes , Mito began to ask , " Um , Guren ... " but he played it off with a yawn . He was just tired , they were just the involuntary tears that accompany a yawn .

It wasn't weakness .

Definitely not weakness .

" Geez , I'm beat . Time to hit the hay . Got an early start again tomorrow . "

" A yawn ? That's all you've got ?! "

" You must be tired too . "

" How am I supposed to sleep unless I get a decent explaintion from you ?! "

" Don't ask me . I'm gonna sleep like a baby . "

" No , explain yourself ! What was the meaning of ... that ! "

Mito thrust a finger at the demolished TV .

Guren didn't see why it mattered anymore , but when he looked at Norito , his friend wore a pleading expression , like he was begging Guren not to tell Mito the truth . Honestly , Guren doubted it really made a difference to Norito , either . At the end of the day Norito was a grownup , he'd be the first to step up and take responsibility in any situation that mattered - - - the type of guy who would lay down his life for others .

He was only making that face because it was funnier this way .

When Guren glanced at Shinya , he was still sporting the same amused grin . Come to think of it , Shinya was the one who had dragged Guren to Norito's Triple - X film festival in the first place .

Had it been a trap the whole time ? Maybe Norito and Shinya had been in on it together .

As a plot to put a smile on Guren's grumpy , frowning face .

Something silly , to make him laugh .

Something meaningless .

Because if life had no meaning...

" ... then you might as well laugh about it ? " Guren wondered aloud , looking over at Shinya , who was , as ever , grinning back at him .

" Let's hear it , Guren , " he prompted . " A convincing reason would show us something like that . And it better be why you interesting . "

This was starting to get ridiculous . Seriously ? If Norito and Shinya thought Guren was going to play along with this idiocy...

" Hmm . "

... they were right . Guren crossed his arms and began to ponder .

Something interesting ...

Something interesting ...

Nothing was coming to him , but finally Guren came up with an answer .

" Guys ... The truth is , if you watch for another hour , I'm in the movie . "

" Wha ?! " the three girls cried again in shock .

" Y - You're joking , " said Mito .

" It's the truth . "

" No way ... "

"W - What do you mean , in the movie ? " asked Sayuri , her voice shaking .

" I play Masaki's brother . I get naked . "

" Whaaaaaa ?! " Shinya and Norito doubled over with laughter , clutching their sides .

Apparently they approved of Guren's answer .

He nodded emphatically . " If you want to see my scene , fast forward another hour . My youthful indiscretion , memorialized on video ... "

Shigure spoke up , her face serious . " Th - This is a joke . Isn't it . Master Guren ? "

Guren answered just as seriously . " No , it's true ."

" But why would you do it ? "

" For the money . "

" That doesn't make any sense . You're teasing us , aren't you ? "

Guren pulled a face , as if he was displeased that she refused to believe him.

Shigure flinched . " F - Forgive me , Master Guren ," she said .

" I would never doubt you . Alright , we'll fast forward one hour. Sayuri ? "

" Huh ? "

" We have to watch that tape . "

" What ? Why ? I don't want to , I'll be scarred for life . "

" It's only a movie . We're going to watch the scene . "

The two girls actually walked over to the DVD player , which had been dragged along by its cord when the TV went flying , and ejected the disc .

" Wait , wait , you two are really going to watch it ? There's no way Guren is really in it , is there ?! "

Mito asked , goggling at Guren and the girls in turn . Guren ignored them all , however , and turned on his heel to leave .

He couldn't believe the three women were really thinking about watching the rest of the movie by themselves .

Well , whatever .

He stepped out of the room and began walking down the hallway.

Shinya joined him .

"..."

" Hey Guren . "

" Yeah ? "

" Didn't I see you start to cry back there ? "

" That was a yawn . "

" It looked like you were welling up before you yawned . "

" I was holding back the yawn the whole time . "

" Oh ? "

" Yep . "

" Oh ? "

" What. "

" Nothing . It's just , if something's bothering you---"

Guren interrupted him . " Look around . Who doesn't have something bothering them ? "

" Yeah , fair enough ... Still , seemed like an odd time to cry . "

" Maybe I was crying because you two were bullying me . "

" We weren't bullying you . "

" The worst bullies are the ones who don't realize they're bullies . "

" We really weren't bullying you . "

" Fuck off . "

" Hahaha . "

" Isn't your room in the other direction ? "

" Yup . "

" You've got another early day tomorrow , don't you ? Go get some sleep . "

" Come on , tell me . "

" Tell you what ? "

" Why you were crying . "

It didn't seem like Shinya was going to give up .He seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to this kind of stuff .

Guren looked over at his friend .

Shinya was wearing his usual relaxed grin . But if Guren said the wrong thing , Shinya might disappear forever .

Shinya could never know that Guren had started to cry because he had suddenly found meaning in bringing his friends back to life .

" You don't give up , do you , " Guren muttered .

Shinya shrugged . " Something happen while you were on duty ? "

Guren could spin some simple lie , but Shinya might investigate . So what should he say ? He needed to come up with a reason for crying . Something Shinya would believe , something that would explain a moment of weakness .

Maybe---

Shinya suddenly looked away from Guren . " Any chance that's what's been bothering you ? "

That ? Guren followed Shinya's gaze .

To the end of the hallway .

Where a boy was standing---

He looked to be about fourteen or fifteen . Average height and build , short black hair . And a cursed weapon strapped to his waist .

Guren looked him up and down.

"Are you the punk who's been strutting around acting like king shit ? " the boy demanded . " Are you Guren Ichinose ? "

" I don't recall doing any strutting , " Guren answered quietly .

" You're just a lowly Ichinose , you've got some nerve acting  like you're someone who matters . "

This again .

No matter how strong Guren became or how much he accomplished , there were some people who would never accept om . All because he was an Ichinose , and once , long ago , the Ichinoses had betrayed the Hiragis . There was always another one of these guys , just around the corner .

Guren responded like he always did : " Yeah , you're right . Sorry about that . I'll be more careful next time . "

" Cut the shit . You think you can just brush me off ? Are you trying to make me look like an asshole ? "

" A lowly Ichinose like myself would never dream of---"

" I knew it , you're trying to make me look like an asshole ! " the boy shouted angrily .

" Ugh , " whispered Shinya . " Another pain in the ass . "

" Can't you get you get rid of him , O Lord Hiragi ? " Guren whispered back .

Shinya obligingly took a step forward . " Listen , kid , I think there's been a misunderstanding . "

But the boy completely ignored him . " Guren Ichinose ! Let's step outside and see how strong you really are ! "

"... "

Instead of answering , Guren looked over at Shinya again . Shinya just waved him along.

" Really ? You're not gonna help me out there ? " Guren asked incredulously .

Shinya laughed . " I've already helped you out with these guys three times . " 

" Yeah , but two of those times I ended up having to fight them anyway . "

" Sure , but they all join your fan club after you beat them . Go on , recruit another one right now !"

" When's it gonna be your turn ? "

" Lord Hiragi doesn't need fans , " Shinya shot back with a yawn that made his eyes water .

" Now who's crying ? Is something bothering you ? "

Shinya laughed . " Yeah , I just found out that my best friend was in a porno . "

" Piss off . "

" Haha . "

" Are you fucking kidding me ?! " the boy shouted , incensed .

" Don't you dare ignore me ! I want you outside , now ! I'll see for myself how strong you really are ! I bet you've just been faking it all along ! "

Chuckling , Shinya departed for his own room .

Guren returned his gaze to the boy , who was still gesticulating for Guren to follow .